Pancreaticoduodenectomy with pylorus preservation.

30 cases of pancreaticoduodenectomy with pylorus preservation are reported. The operative mortality has been 6,6%. Technical details of the operation are discussed and the importance of maintaining an optimal vascularization of the duodenal wall is stressed. Long term results (maximum follow-up 2 years) seem to be excellent with a clear improvement of the digestive function as compared to the traditional pancreatectomy with gastric resection. Jejunal ulcerative complications have not been observed. It is believed that pylorus preservation should become the operation of choice in pancreatectomy performed for benign diseases.